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Seven year old donates $200 to Soo Locks Children's Museum

'I had a box for donations,' said Maddox Corbiere, who collected $200 at his birthday party. 'I thought it would be really cool to go to a children’s museum, and my friends could come'

Maddox Corbiere turned seven-years-old on Nov. 19.

At an age when most kids can't wait to unwrap their gifts and dig into some cake, the young boy asked friends and family to donate money to Soo Locks Children's Museum in lieu of presents.

“I had a box for donations,” said Corbiere, who collected $200 at his birthday party. “I thought it would be really cool to go to a children’s museum, and my friends could come.”

Corbiere’s mother, Sarah Gobler, recently went through his room only to realize it had grown crowded with neglected toys.

Gobler and Corbiere agreed to donate some of his things to Goodwill and Salvation Army. Rather than restocking the room full of new toys, Corbiere asked for money to donate to the museum. 

“We’re so proud of him,” Gobler said at the Soo Lock Children's Museum Burger Bash on Thursday evening, where her son presented a giant $200 check.

Maddox, you are a wonderful example of generosity,” Soo Locks Children's Museum Board President Raquel Fernandez-Earns said. “It's your birthday and here you are giving to the museum. I would've went to the store to buy candy.”

The fundraiser was sponsored by Freshwaters Real Estate Advisors and held at Elks Lodge #552

Gordon Food Service Store donated burgers and other food items. Superior Audiology also contributed. The Elks youth group helped children’s museum volunteers collect money and serve food. Soo Theatre Orchestra enriched the atmosphere with music. 

“The amount of people who have come together has been phenomenal,” said Fernandez-Earns.

The gathering included Santa Claus and his elves.

Corbiere’s eyes lit up the second he saw Santa. He could not wait to sit on his lap with a giant $200 check to gift to Soo Locks Children’s Museum.

The museum will host a Saturday Morning Artoons event tomorrow from 10 a.m. to noon. 

Fernandez-Earns said kids will learn how to craft snowmen and snowflakes. Donations are accepted upon entry. Soo Locks Children’s Museum is located at 223 West Portage Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI.